Android OTA: Device Updates & Firmware Report - April 11th Edition

HTC One Max Gets Android 4.4.2 on Verizon

One of the last HTC One devices to launch in 2013, it's no surprise that Verizon is the last carrier to update the device to Android 4.4.2. At long last, the giant HTC One has gotten its update to Android 4.4.2, joining the elusive KitKat Klub. The build number you're looking for here is 2.16.605.2 and you can find out more from Verizon's support page. Considering the One Max debuted with Sense 5.5, the only updates to see here are under the hood, so users might not notice too much of a change, but things should be a little snappier and you should see a subtle change in your status bar.

HTC One (M8) Gets Extreme Power Save Mode in Latest Sprint Update

It might have only just been released, but the latest HTC One has been given a small update on Sprint. The update doesn't really change much about the device, but does bring with it the Extreme Power Save Mode. What this mode does is give you a basic homescreen with access to your dialler, messages and the HTC email app. More something you'd use in an emergency situation, this is one of the better features we've seen hit a smartphone when it comes to getting the most out of your battery.

AT&T Fix Tap & Pay Issues with LG's G2 KitKat Update

When AT&T's G2 started to get the Android 4.4.2 update to KitKat, people started noticing the lack of Tap & Pay and Google Wallet issues. Basically, the update left people unable to pay for things using their G2. While not a major issue due to NFC payments not exactly being widespread, it was annoying nonetheless. So, AT&T have rolled out a 5.59MB update to the fix the problem. This small update fixes Tap & Pay and should let you pay for things like you're living in the future again. If you hadn't already installed Android 4.4.2 on your G2, you'll only need to download one update, but it's a whopper at 679MB.

When Sony updated their Xperia Z1 line (the Xperia Z Ultra) to Android 4.4.2, they unfortunately introduced a strange bug which played music through the earpiece, rather than the device's loudspeaker. An annoying bug for sure, it's thankfully now been fixed with software version 14.3.A.0.757. The update is available for the Xperia Z1, the Z1 Compact and the Xperia Z Ultra. You can get your hands on the update through the PC suite, but over-the-air availability depends on your network in a lot of cases.

Tri-Band Galaxy S4 on Sprint Gets WiFi-Calling Treatment

If you have a Galaxy S4 on Sprint that can connect to the network's Spark network, then you'll be getting access to WiFi-Calling with this latest update. WiFi-Calling uses whatever WiFi network you're on to place your call, which should in turn come with better sound quality and helps in areas where you have no signal. The service is completely free and it shouldn't be a difficult feature for you to get to grips with at all. You can find out more from Sprint here.

European Galaxy S5 Buyers Will Have Two Software Updates to Apply as Soon as You Get It

We're not sure why, after two months waiting for the phone to be released the Galaxy S5 needs an update out of the box, but Samsung has not one, but two waiting for European buyers. The first of the two updates comes in at 30MB and then the second at 16MB, so it shouldn't take you long if you have a decent connection. You should end up on build number U1ANCE, which is what Samsung is calling the latest. These updates just fix bugs and stability issues, so nothing much to write home about here.

For years now I've had a heavy interest in technology, growing up with 8-bit computers and gaming consoles has fed into an addiction to everything that beeps. Android saved me from the boredom of iOS years ago and I love watching the platform grow. As an avid reader and writer nothing pleases me more than to write about the exciting world of Android, Google and mobile technology as a whole.